Question

A physics student of mass 54 kg rides a Ferris wheel around in a vertical circle of radius 12 m at a constant speed of 7.1 m/s. What is the difference between the magnitude of the normal force on her from the seat when she goes through the lowest point of the circular path compared to the force on her going through the highest point?

Answer 1

Answer

given,

mass of the student = 54 kg

radius of the vertical circle = 12 m

constant speed of the wheel = 7.1 m/s

normal force at height point = ?

normal force at lowest point = ?

F_{normal}(at highest point)

           = $mg - \dfrac{mv^2}{r}$

           = $54\times 9.8 - \dfrac{54 \times 7.1^2}{12}$

           = $529.2- 226.85$

           = 302.35 N

F_{normal}(at lowest point)

           = $mg + \dfrac{mv^2}{r}$

           = $54\times 9.8 + \dfrac{54 \times 7.1^2}{12}$

           = $529.2+ 226.85$

           = 756.05 N